RSVP Montgomery

Jamie Thompson

As a proud parent of three Montgomery Humane Society (MHS) pets including our doxies, Pebbles and Bam-Bam, and our self-potty trained cat, Snickers, it is always rewarding to visit their former foster home and catch up with Executive Director, Steven Tears. The Montgomery Humane Society continues a great service to our four-legged, furry community and the humans who love them.

One of the most exciting announcements from MHS is the upcoming dog park to be located at Blount Cultural Park. This came about when our city was a national finalist in the running for a $100,000 grant from PetSafe to construct a dog park, and despite over 26,000 votes in our favor, the grant was awarded to Huntington, West Virginia. Because of the local interest generated during this contest, the city responded by allocating half the funding for this park, and along with private and corporate donors, the dream is becoming a reality in the Blount Cultural Park. Already, the fence has been delivered and construction is underway, beginning this fall. Steven says, “Every update I receive on fundraising events, major donors and corporate support leaves me no doubt that Montgomery will have the benchmark ‘Dog Park’ for the state.” Our doggies can’t wait!

While private contributions for the Dog Park have poured in, the funding for this project has been a double-edged sword for the Montgomery Humane Society. The support will go a long way toward building the park; however, ongoing contributions are needed to sustain the day-to-day operations at MHS. It’s important to remember that if you’d like to make a donation, you mark “Shelter Needs” on your check so that the funds will be applied to the daily expenses of caring for homeless animals. Other items needed year round include: bleach, laundry detergent, hand soap, hand sanitizer and a variety of office supplies.

The pet population problem is overwhelming with an estimated 4-6 million euthanizations each year in the U.S., and there is no “magical formula” for selecting which animals will be given a second chance at life or have their lives ended the next morning. However, thanks to the hard work of Rachel Tears and her team at the Alabama Animal Alliance, the population at our shelter (and therefore the amount of animals euthanized) has declined over the past few years. Responsible for this trend are programs including, “Spay Montgomery,” which provides grants for qualified owners to have their pet altered for only $10, and “Trap, Neuter and Release,” which controls the number of feral (or “wild”) cats by working to bring stability to the colony through spaying or neutering, reducing the number of euthanized animals in Montgomery by almost 3,000 pets in the past three years.

When it comes to this controversial topic locally, Steven reports there are some in the community who make this harsh reality almost unbearable. Citizens opposing this practice text, email and post on Facebook terms such as “killer” or “heartless,” making this gut-wrenching job even that more difficult. Steven wants to remind the public of the shelter’s “Open Admission” policy, which allows for the acceptance of any animal, adoptable or not, healthy or sick, young or old. The MHS staff is forever committed to the animals who call the adoption center home and work tirelessly to save as many pets as possible.

Steven further explains that if MHS became a “No-Kill” shelter, they could no longer accept every animal that came in to the facility. It would simply mean, “The euthanizations would occur down the street and may or may not be done humanely.” He credits his staff who come to work daily (many on a volunteer basis) and continue to get their heart broken for giving him the motivation to stay positive and work for the common goal of saving and improving the lives of as many animals as they can in Montgomery.

Perhaps acquiring a new best friend (and saving a life) is in your plans sometime soon. Steven reminds those considering a pet for the holidays to take into consideration that they can become a commitment of 15 years or more, and therefore it should be a well-planned decision and not a “last minute gift idea” for someone on your list. However, if you’re ready, the dogs and cats would love to see you at the shelter located at 1150 John Overton Drive directly across from Gunter Air Force Base. They’re available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While at the shelter, you can also shop for your pet (Christmas gifts, hello?) at the “Home At Last” store, and don’t miss out on the 2012 Friends for Life Calendar which is currently for sale. Get details on all the holiday fundraisers and MHS happenings at MontgomeryHumane.com.

As we approach the holiday season, there are three different fundraisers that you can take advantage of to help the animals at MHS.

* Christmas Wrap 2011 at the Shoppes at EastChase – Quality is king here as your presents are individually wrapped, topped with a handmade bow and kept organized for you to put under the tree! SUVs and buggies full of presents are wrapped each year and all proceeds go directly to the Montgomery Humane Society. You’ll like the finished product or they’ll redo it – and for the right price, they’ll wrap “ANYTHING” – just ask them!

* “Home for the Howl-idays” Holiday Cards – These cards are designed by local school children during the “Home for the Howl-idays” art contest. Each entry is voted on and the winner’s artwork is featured on the cards each year. You simply pick the design you like best, submit your Christmas Card list with addresses, and they’ll take care of the rest for you! $5 per card (larger orders are usually less). Make it easy, help save lives!

* Year End Appeal Letter – Each year the Montgomery Humane Society sends out their annual appeal letter to those on their mailing list. Steven says, “I am very excited this year about our 2011 appeal. I can’t tell you about it just yet, but it’s in the works. It will directly save lives; I hope it will appeal to you, and I hope that you, through your kind donations, will make it a reality.” Be on the lookout for these letters later this year!

Go Back >